The Jane Lynch-hosted series Hollywood Game Night is a bit of a television anomaly. The primetime game show is a throwback to the days of classic Hollywood Squares, and it's in an old-school class of its own here in 2015. It's currently in its third season on NBC. But, will Hollywood Game Night be back for Season 4? Its casually raucous atmosphere continues to draw an eclectic group of celebrities, every one of whom looks as relaxed on the set as they would be playing charades in their own living room. Audiences seem to never tire of famous people making fools of themselves, especially as willingly as they do on this show.
The network hasn't issued an official renewal yet for Hollywood Game Night, even though the Season 3 finale airs Tuesday. Renewal timelines aren't the same every year, especially for a show that's usually on the schedule for summer or mid-season. The show's initial batch of nine episodes aired in the summer of 2013 (with one special holiday episode in December), and was re-upped by NBC in August. The second season came with a longer episode order; those 19 aired from January through July of 2014. In that case, the renewal didn't come through until October, a few months after the finale episode. So, all is not lost yet. Remember that Jane Lynch won an Emmy for her hosting duties, and she may still have a few more rounds of Marquee Madness left in her future.
In addition to steady ratings, Hollywood Game Night also offers its network a chance to cross-promote. Seems like a no-brainer to me to renew the show and pack the couches with stars from NBC's new fall slate of shows. Personally, I want to see the series back on my TV because there are several stars who deserve the chance to get competitive. And, if that regular person slot is open, well, I'm available.
1. Gillian Anderson
Watch any gag reel for Hannibal or The X-Files, and you'll see why. Anderson has the most infectious giggle in the industry, and I need to hear it unleashed on her teammates.
2. Daniel Radcliffe
Since graduating from Hogwarts, Daniel Radcliffe has proven to be just as delightful as a grownup. He sings, he dances, he dismantles the idea of the "friend zone," and I suspect he's a secret game night weapon as well.
3. Gabourey Sidibe
The Precious star is currently killing it with two comedic roles right now: Lucious' assistant Becky on Empire and Billy's boss Denise on the Hulu original Difficult People. Sidibe's sarcastic wit and outgoing persona would fit right in on Hollywood Game Night too.
4. Chris Messina
It's not that I think The Mindy Project leading man would be particularly good at these games. It's that I think he'd get flustered because he doesn't really understand what Twitter is or know who any of the Kardashians are. But, then he'd smile that crooked smile and literally no one would care that he lost his team the game.
5. Maisie Williams
Maisie Williams is wise beyond her years, doesn't take her job too seriously, and knows how to have fun. Ideal contestant.
6. & 7. Chris Pratt & Anna Faris
Either one of these guys should feel free to come on their own, but I'd prefer a couple's appearance by Chris Pratt and Anna Faris. They could distract the other team by how adorably devoted their are to each other. Boom: Victory.
Come back to me, Hollywood Game Night! These celebrities need to come by and take their turns.
Images: Trae Patton/NBC; Giphy (6)
